Introduction

A quill pen is a writing implement made from a moulted flight feather (preferably a primary wing-feather) of a large bird. Quills were used for writing with ink before the invention of the dip pen, the metal-nibbed pen, the fountain pen, and, eventually, the ballpoint pen. The hand-cut goose quill is rarely used as a calligraphy tool, because many papers are now derived from wood pulp and wear down the quill very quickly. However, it is still the tool of choice for a few professionals and provides an unmatched sharp stroke as well as greater flexibility than a steel pen.

History

Quills were the primary writing instrument in the Western World from the 6th to the 19th century. The best quills were usually made from goose, swan, and later turkey feathers. It was much later, in the 1600s, with the increased popularity of writing, especially in the copperplate script promoted by the many printed manuals available from the ‘Writing Masters,’ that quills became more pointed and flexible.

The Art of Quill Writing

A quill knife was the original primary tool used for cutting and sharpening quills, known as ‘flinking”.

Following the decline of the quill in the 1820s, after the introduction of the maintenance-free, mass-produced steel dip nib by John Mitchell, knives were still manufactured but became known as desk knives, stationery knives or latterly as the name stuck “pen” knives.

A “pen” knife by contrast has two flat sides. This distinction is not recognised by modern traders, dealers or collectors who define a quill knife as any small knife with a fixed or hinged blade, including such items as ornamental fruit knives.

The Set – Blue Turkey Feather Quill Calligraphy Pen Set

Discover the charm of simpler times with our range of feather quill and dip pens by ROUTE IN. Feather quills are made from goose feather in a variety of colours, with a removeable nib. The hand blown glass pen set makes a pretty gift, whilst the Blue Turkey feather is for those with a flamboyant streak. Art lovers will enjoy the wood dip pen with black ink. All sets are presented in a gift box which may include a variety of nib sizes, quill stands, ink bottles, calligraphy booklet.